The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the nominees for the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, with Super Falcons’ stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo earning spots among the continent’s elite. Their impressive performances throughout the year, particularly during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), have once again placed Nigeria in the spotlight of African women’s football. Ajibade and Okoronkwo’s Impact on the Super Falcons Rasheedat Ajibade, known for her exceptional leadership and technical brilliance, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s journey through the 2024 WAFCON. Her sharp attacking instincts and consistency made her one of the most influential forwards in the competition. Esther Okoronkwo, on the other hand, showcased her attacking prowess with two crucial goals and six assists, making her one of the tournament’s standout performers. Her creative playmaking and ability to link up with the midfield were instrumental in ensuring the Super Falcons maintained dominance throughout the tournament. Nigeria’s Legacy in African Women’s Football The Super Falcons have long been a dominant force in African women’s football, and these nominations reaffirm the team’s status as a powerhouse on the continent. Over the years, Nigerian players such as Asisat Oshoala have set high standards, and Ajibade and Okoronkwo are continuing that legacy with distinction. Their recognition at the CAF Awards 2025 not only celebrates individual excellence but also reflects the team’s resilience, unity, and the growing influence of Nigerian female players on the global stage. The CAF Awards: Honoring Excellence in African Football The CAF Awards remain the most prestigious celebration of African football achievements. Players, coaches, and teams who have made significant contributions to the sport are honored for their dedication and impact both on and off the pitch. According to CAF the 2025 edition of the awards will highlight Africa’s growing presence in world football, emphasizing women’s football as one of the fastest-growing sectors. With Ajibade and Okoronkwo among the nominees, Nigerian fans are hopeful that one of their own will lift the coveted trophy and continue the nation’s proud tradition in the category. What This Nomination Means for Nigerian Football The nominations are not just personal achievements but also a reflection of Nigeria’s strong developmental programs in women’s football. The recognition may inspire younger female athletes across the country to pursue football professionally, further boosting the sport’s profile and strengthening Nigeria’s future squads. Both players’ journeys from grassroots football to continental recognition highlight the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and passion — values deeply rooted in the Super Falcons’ history.
Super Falcons’ captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has shared her thoughts on Nigeria’s intense and hard-fought win over the Banyana Banyana of South Africa at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Under the guidance of coach Justine Madugu, the Nigerian women’s national team secured a spot in the WAFCON 2024 final after defeating South Africa 2-1 on Tuesday night. The high-stakes semi-final clash took place at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, delivering edge-of-the-seat moments from start to finish. Ajibade’s Impactful Performance The dynamic forward, Rasheedat Ajibade, made a significant impact during the match, scoring the opener for the Super Falcons through a penalty kick late in the first half. Her effort gave Nigeria the crucial lead and momentum going into halftime. The 25-year-old’s stellar performance earned her the Woman of the Match award — marking her third such recognition at the ongoing tournament. Ajibade’s leadership on the field and consistency throughout the competition continue to shine as a beacon of inspiration for both teammates and fans. End of South Africa’s Unbeaten Streak The Super Falcons’ victory also marked the end of South Africa’s remarkable 15-match unbeaten run in the WAFCON finals, underscoring the intensity and quality of Nigeria’s performance. The rivalry between the two sides has intensified in recent years, making this win even more meaningful. Ajibade Reflects on the Challenge Speaking to reporters post-match, Ajibade acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter. “We knew it was going to be a difficult game because every game in this tournament has been tough. We know South Africa quite well; they are a very good side,” she said. Ajibade highlighted the teams’ past encounters in Olympic qualifiers, previous WAFCON tournaments, and other international competitions as factors that added to the match’s competitive nature. “We have played each other in different competitions, Olympics qualifiers, WAFCON, but we were ready for whatever is going to come our way,” she added confidently. Nigeria vs Morocco: Final Showdown With the semi-final win secured, Nigeria will now face host nation Morocco in the grand finale scheduled for Saturday in Rabat. The Atlas Lionesses clinched their final spot after defeating Ghana 4-2 on penalties in the second semi-final clash, which concluded 1-1 after 120 minutes of intense play. The WAFCON 2024 final promises to be a thrilling contest between two top African women’s football sides, with Nigeria aiming to lift the trophy once again and Morocco hoping to make history on home soil.
